Bernard Rosen papers
Collection
0456-SCPA-ICA
Bernard “Barney” Rosen (1917-2006) was an American clarinetist and social worker who performed in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and created the organization Little Symphony of Detroit. Rosen briefly taught clarinet in Los Angeles, where he met and mentored several students, before returning to Detroit. One of his notable students was composer George Heussenstamm. This collection consists of personal papers including published booklets, letter correspondence, music programs, newspaper clippings as well as musical material such as manuscripts, musical scores, and physical recordings. The majority of the collection entails Rosen’s collaboration and association with composer George Heussenstamm and Carl Miller.
The collection is open for research use. Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room during SCPA’s operating hours. Please contact the curator for an appointment or if you have questions related to digital access of the materials.
Copyright was not transferred to the University of Maryland with the gift of any copyrighted materials. All rights remain with the creators and rights holders. The University of Maryland Libraries is granted permission for the use in scholarly research by the Libraries’ patrons under fair use in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act.
To inquire about duplication of materials for research or for publication, please contact SCPA’s curator.
0.5 Linear Feet
The Bernard Rosen papers cover the period from 1941-1987; the bulk of the materials date from 1964. The collection consists of personal papers including published booklets, letter correspondence, music programs, newspaper clippings as well as musical material such as manuscripts, musical scores, and physical recordings. The collection is related to Rosen’s collaboration and association with composer George Heussenstamm and Carl Miller.
Bernard “Barney” Rosen (1917- March 9th, 2006) was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, later earning a music degree at Wayne University, and a Master’s degree in social work at University of Michigan. He studied under clarinetist Alberto Luconi before joining the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) in 1943 as the bass clarinetist. Rosen performed with the DSO until the orchestra folded briefly in the early 50s.
Rosen then founded and helped manage a new music organization called The Little Symphony of Detroit. The organization was an orchestra without a conductor, consisting of former DSO members. It relied heavily on volunteer efforts, as well as financial donations from audience members, to help fund performances. While the organization was successful and received positive reception from the Detroit community, the Little Symphony gave its final performance in 1952. This was due to members of the Little Symphony, including Rosen, being rehired to perform in the reformed DSO.
Rosen left DSO a few years later, moving to Los Angeles to teach clarinet. One of Rosen’s most notable students was the award-winning composer George Heussenstamm, who later dedicated several compositions to Rosen. Rosen, meanwhile, had moved back to Detroit to raise his family, engage in his career as a social worker, and perform around in the community on his clarinet.
This collection is organized into three series:
Gift of Barbara Rosen, wife of Bernard “Barney” Rosen, received in two shipments on November 7, 2007, and April 30th, 2019.
Part of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library